The Wii U controller offers much more gameplay possibilities than a simple remote controller. The Wii Remote was limited to motion control and pointer functions. With the Wii U controller, you can directly interact with objects using the touchscreen, video chat using the camera, have motion control games, have voice command games using the mic, play traditional games using the dual analog pads. The possibilities are endless. I think the Wii U controller may be the best thing Nintendo's come up with since the DS.

The Wii U takes all their previous controller ideas and combines them in one unit. So here's a thought, where does Nintendo go from here?

Lieutenant Commander of the Lesbian Love Brigade
There can only be one, like in that foreign movie where there could only be one, and in the end there is only one dude left, because that was the point.

Vitality Sensor is dead. Iwata mentioned it once, that was over 2 years ago.

Nintendo goes silent on things for years and then brings them back. Just you wait.

Lieutenant Commander of the Lesbian Love Brigade
There can only be one, like in that foreign movie where there could only be one, and in the end there is only one dude left, because that was the point.

Nintendo can focus on trying to shrink the 3D input hardware so that it requires smaller physical motions to use. The Wiimote requires relatively large movements to input 3D data (location, orientation). If Nintendo could shrink this input method down so that it only requires fingertips and small rotations of the wrist, then it would be a very big improvement. And then we ask, what is the smallest motion we can perform that can still accurately input 3D data? I would say it's the movement of the fingertips. Can you imagine the difference between drawing a cube with the wiimote (in 3D obviously) and drawing a cube with your fingertips?

To put this in context, think about the computer mouse. The mouse is a very elegant, accurate, and small scale method for inputting most 2D data. It only requires a flick of the fingertips to move a cursor around a 2D plane. If the mouse were on the scale of the Wiimote, you would have to make much bigger movements just to move the cursor around.

Another avenue for improving 3D input (and really all forms of input) is the addition of force feedback. This refers to feeling physical resistance when you try to move or re-orient an input device (also called haptics or haptic technology). Force feedback is tricky to pull off, but possible. The Novint Falcon, for example, is a very promising and affordable game controller that lets you "feel" the game world in a tactile way. Go here for more information about the Falcon: http://www.nonpolynomial.com/2008/03/25/everything-i-know-abo...

What Nintendo could do is shrink basic design of the Novint Falcon to a very small scale so that the motors fit inside a controller and so the movable arms (that provide the force) fit around a player's thumb. The result will be a controller with a virtual analog stick that provides force feedback. Heck, you could even add in a second one of these things near the back of the controller so your index finger can also feel feedback. And then go crazy and allow handling of virtual objects with realistic weight and grip.

Instead of improving the input methods, Nintendo could also choose to improve the play screen. The most complete solution would be a virtual headset, because it essentially enlarges the play screen from a small square in front of you to a field that is as big as your field of vision. This technology is already available and in use by hobbyists, industry, and the military. Sony even openly talks about possibly using the technology in the future.